Organic Endive Frisse Seeds

Discover the rich, mildly bitter flavor and crisp texture of fresh endive right from your garden! Our certified organic endive seeds are easy to grow and yield delicious, leafy heads perfect for salads, sautés, and more. Endive is a cool-weather crop, thriving in early spring and fall. Whether you prefer the broad-leaved variety (Escarole) or the curled-leaved (Frisée), endive adds both flavor and flair to your kitchen.

Planting Your Endive Seeds

• Plant in fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny location.
• Direct sow seeds 1/4″ deep and 12″ apart in rows spaced 18″ apart.
• For an extended harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks. Be sure to thin seedlings to ensure proper growth and air circulation.
• Endive thrives in cooler temperatures (50-75°F) and may bolt in hot weather, so time your plantings for early spring or late summer.

Planting by Zones

Zones 8-10:

• Plant endive in the fall or winter to avoid the summer heat, which can cause bolting.

Zones 3-7:

• Direct sow endive in early spring, about 2-4 weeks before the last frost, or in late summer for a fall harvest.

Growing and Caring for Endive

• Endive is adaptable to various soil types but prefers rich, well-composted soil.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Mulching around the plants helps maintain soil moisture and temperature.
• For tender, less bitter leaves, blanch endive by tying the outer leaves together 2-3 weeks before harvest.

Harvesting Your Endive

• Harvest when the heads are firm and tightly packed
• For a continuous harvest, cut the outer leaves while allowing the center to continue growing.
• Store harvested endive in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Endive pairs well with many companion plants that can help improve its growth, deter pests, and enhance your garden’s health. We love planting marigolds, calendulas, carrots, or beets.

Endive is a versatile crop, ideal for both garden beds and containers. Whether you’re growing it for fresh salads or as a cooked green, you’ll appreciate the fresh taste that only homegrown endive can provide!

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue for garlic at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.